A rapid rise in potentially avoidable cancers linked to “lifestyle factors” such as alcohol, smoking, obesity and exposure to the sun, has been detected by researchers.

A new study, published today by Cancer Research UK, shows that rates of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, have risen by more than 40% in the past decade. Cases of mouth, womb, and kidney cancers have also increased rapidly in the past 10 years. Research has shown that around half of all cases of cancer diagnosed in the UK could be prevented by simple changes in lifestyle.

Lucy Morrish, statistical information manager at Cancer Research UK, who compiled the figures, said: “While incidence rates for some cancers have fallen over the past decade, others are rising and many of these cases could be prevented if people avoided excessive sun exposure, smoking and obesity and limited their alcohol intake.” Click here for full article